Jerry R

Well life is good. The conversion is complete and everything works. Recieved the replacement transmission last Friday from (Eli) SuBrat84. Everything needed to make the switch. New cluch disc/pressure plate, two rebuilt axles were put in. Forgot how easy Subrau's are to work on. Had the 5sp D/L in by Sunday night. Most of the time spent was just figuring out how something comes apart. Not that much actual wrench time at all. I don't think I have ever worked on an 18 year old car without rusted bolts. No kiddin'. Not one bolt broke off or stripped. That was a relief. I like Subaru's. I want to thank everyone on here for your knowledge. Someone on here knows the answer to anything. Just ask. A special thanks to Eli for the awesome deal. Had what I needed along with some key advise. Got it to me in great condition quickly. Pleasure to do business with as well. Thanks again, Jerry

Thanks for all the imput. I will be doing the swap, probably after the first of the year. SuBrat84, Eli, is kind enough to part with some of his cherished Sube parts. I'l keep you all posted as to the progress. And ask more questions I'm sure. Later, Jerry

SuBrat84. You have a PM. Jerry

SuBrat84. Let me do some checking locally and I'll get back with ya. Sounds like a deal as long as the shipping will allow it. Thanks, Jerry

Thanks gang. Now to have some fun tearing into a Sube again. Jerry

Under the hood the engine family sticker says, JFJ1.8V5HFS7 (109cid spfi). And I'm positive the metal tab on the rear dif said 3.9. So I'm OK to go as far as converting this to a 5spd DL? Sure hope so anyway. Jerry

General. Looked under the car tonight and the metal tab on the rear dif says 3.9. Is that possible or am I seeing things. I'll double check in the AM. So basicaly any 85-89 non turbo dual range 4wd 5spd donor car will work. Should be a bunch of them around. I'll have to go check out our local salvage yard. Unless someone has one available. Reasonable. Thanks a lot. Jerry

Wow!!! Just as I thought. Lots of info here. Thanks for all the input. Come to find out I have an EA82 Coupe. With a 3.9 rear dif. And from what I'm understanding so far, it's doable and not too much if any beating and banging will be needed. So I need to find an EA82 donor car with the same rear dif. ratio. Does the year matter? Thanks for the links everyone. Great information there. Jerry

Hello, New member here. Neat site you all have here. Lots of good information to be had, thats for sure. In the past I've owned four Subaru wagons and now am the proud owner of a 1988 GL Hatchback 4wd. Got it cheap as it needs a transmission. Body is in very good condition. Currently it has a 3 spd auto. And from what I've read so far on here, the auto is less than the best trans for a Sube. And I would tend to agree. My question. Is it worth converting this Hatch to a 5sp, hi/lo range, 4wd? I can get an auto trans for $400.00. Will probably cost more than that to convert. And can do the work myself. And can do the conversion myself also. Just curious as to the real benefits of having a 5spd hi/lo range 4wd. Mileage should be better. More power obviously. Plus they are more fun to drive. Thanks in advance for the input. Looking forward to your ideas. Jerry Robinson